After welcoming hundreds of guests who've visited Ellora Caves from Hiranya Resort, we've accumulated a wealth of practical knowledge about how to make the most of your visit. Here's what we tell every guest.
TIMINGS & ENTRY
Ellora Caves are open Tuesday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. They are closed every Tuesday. Entry is by an ASI ticket, available at the gate or online. Children under 15 enter free. The ticket covers all 34 caves, including the Kailasa Temple.
BEST TIME TO ARRIVE
Without question: 6am, the moment the gates open. In peak season (October–January), the caves can see 5,000+ visitors on weekends. By 10am on a Saturday, the Kailasa Temple courtyard can feel like a railway station. In the early morning, you may have entire cave galleries to yourself. The light is also dramatically better — soft and directional — for photography.
WHICH CAVES TO PRIORITISE
If you have 3–4 hours: Cave 16 (Kailasa), Cave 10 (Vishwakarma — the Buddhist cathedral cave with the largest rock-cut stupa), Cave 21 (Rameshvara — finest female figures), Cave 29 (Dumar Lena — massive Shiva caves), and Caves 32–33 (Jain galleries).
If you have a full day: All of the above plus Caves 1–5 (early Buddhist viharas with lovely proportions), Caves 14–15 (transitional period), and Cave 29.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Personal cameras and phones are allowed throughout. Flash photography should be avoided near ancient paintings (primarily Caves 10 and the Jain section). Professional cameras with tripods require prior permission from the Archaeological Survey of India. Drones are strictly prohibited.
GETTING THERE FROM HIRANYA RESORT
Our 6am guided cycle trip is the most magical way — 8km each way on the Ellora Road, arriving as the gates open and returning before the heat builds. Alternatively, our resort can arrange a taxi (30-minute drive). You can also take a local bus from Aurangabad city.
WHERE TO EAT
Options near the caves are very limited and quality is inconsistent. We recommend having a proper breakfast at the resort before you leave and returning for a late lunch. Carry water — the site is large and the Maharashtra sun is unforgiving.
